Device for staged carbon monoxide oxidation
A method and apparatus are described for selectively oxidizing carbon monoxide in a hydrogen rich feed stream. The method comprises mixing a feed stream consisting essentially of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, water and carbon monoxide with a first predetermined quantity of oxygen (air). The temperature of the mixed feed/oxygen stream is adjusted in a first the heat exchanger assembly to a first temperature. The mixed feed/oxygen stream is sent to reaction chambers having an oxidation catalyst contained therein. The carbon monoxide of the feed stream preferentially absorbs on the catalyst at the first temperature to react with the oxygen in the chambers with minimal simultaneous reaction of the hydrogen to form an intermediate hydrogen rich process stream having a lower carbon monoxide content than the feed stream. The elevated outlet temperature of the process stream is carefully controlled in a second heat exchanger assembly to a second temperature above the first temperature. The process stream is then mixed with a second predetermined quantity of oxygen (air). The carbon monoxide of the process stream preferentially reacts with the second quantity of oxygen in a second stage reaction chamber with minimal simultaneous reaction of the hydrogen in the process stream. The reaction produces a hydrogen rich product stream having a lower carbon monoxide content than the process stream. The product stream is then cooled in a third heat exchanger assembly to a third predetermined temperature. Three or more stages may be desirable, each with metered oxygen injection. 3 figures.
- Assignee:
- General Motors Corp., Detroit, MI (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5271916; A
- OSTI ID:
- 5392782
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: 30 Jun 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Production of cleaned and purified synthesis gas and carbon monoxide. [by partial oxidation of hydrocarbonaceous fuel]
Simultaneous gasification of coal and pyrolysis of organic solid waste materials
Related Subjects
CARBON MONOXIDE
ADSORPTION
OXIDATION
HYDROGEN
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SEPARATION EQUIPMENT
DESIGN
SYNTHESIS GAS
TEMPERATURE CONTROL
CARBON COMPOUNDS
CARBON OXIDES
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONTROL
ELEMENTS
FLUIDS
GASES
NONMETALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
SORPTION
080100* - Hydrogen- Production